"State of the Bruins" Photo Gallery
As mentioned briefly last night, I (along with Hub Hockey's own, Pat) attended the "State of the Bruins" town hall meeting last night. The night kicked off with fans being greeted with free Bruins shirts and pocket schedules as we entered the Garden. Then, straight to the concessions we went to claim our free water and soft pretzels (soda, popcorn, and hot dogs were also available). After getting a bite to eat, we headed into the actual rink and took our seats in Section 6 awaiting the start of the event.
The meeting started off with NESN analyst Andy Brickley introducing each panel member to the crowd of over 720 fans. Attention was then focused on the video scoreboard (the Garden HDX) for a visual look back to the season that was 2007-2008 and also a short recap of the first round playoff grudge match between the B's and the Canadiens. After a strong crowd reaction, Brick got straight down to business as he went down the panel line asking each panelist a question.
- GM Peter Chiarelli was first up, giving a brief recap of last season. Chiarelli then talked about the Bruins defensive improvements, noting the decrease in goal against last season, which was 64 fewer than the previous year. Chiarelli also gave praise to coach Claude Julien for the impressive work he has down with the team in his short tenure. Finally, he touched on the offseason signings of Michael Ryder and Stephane Yelle. If saying that the ownership is really looking forward to the all-around skill of both players to make a big impact this season is an understatement.
- Next on the chopping block was the Bruins Executive VP Charlie Jacobs. VP Jacobs basically talked about the stress and pressure on the Bruins with the recent success of other local teams (Red Sox, Celtics, and Patriots). He basically explained that the Bruins are in a transition period, much like the Patriots once were not so long ago. He mentioned that no teams ever just go from last to first within' one season and win a Cup, that is an oddity in the league. He stressed the fact that the Bruins are in the middle of rebuilding the team and will be shying away from buying a Cup, much like the Celtics. And that even though it is hard for fans to understand this concept, it will be for the best in the long run since they have a great core of young talent in which they have been developing since day one.
- At the opposite end of the panel was Zdeno Chara who was next up. Big Z didn't say much other than he is currently working in overdrive to be ready for the season after undergoing surgery in the offseason on his shoulder
- Coach Julien talked about the struggles of last year while working with injuries and a young team trying to come together under a new system. He then gave praise to that same team though for its impressive campaign that should change minds about this once laughing stock in the league. Julien finished by talking about how he wanted to improve on the offensive aspect of the Bruins play this year, while not putting their current defensive play on the back burner.
- Owner Jeremy Jacobs basically talked about the transition from the old to the new, and how the Bruins needed a younger organization to succeed in this growing league (I'm not a huge fan of Jacobs but he was very well spoken tonight).
- VP Cam Neely spoke next on why he decided to come back to the Bruins organization and how he has taken the last year to fully understand the organization. He also spoke on how he takes a more "hands on" approach when it comes to players.
- Finally, Aaron Ward (of the Rings) wrapped up the first question session of the night as he talked about the Bruins current offseason progress on and off the ice.
Brickley then opened up the floor to none other than the fans in attendance. There were many good/funny questions asked, but of course with the good came the bad. I will stray away from the nonsensical questions since they still make me cringe. But here are some quick notes on the questions and answers that stuck out to me:
- Chara is self-proclaimed "Really, really big!"
- Jeremy Jacobs seemed to know a lot about process behind the NHL's "Winter Classic" outdoor game. He also expressed his belief that "I think Fenway's as good as Wrigley". I smell an outdoor game in the near future.
- The complete panel had no comment on when the Bruins will draft a woman player. What about Julie "The Cat" Gaffney guys?
- Cam Neely solved the one beer limit at Canadiens games by declaring that there will be no beers for Habs fans, while the Bruins fans receive the extras.
- Claude Julien reminded the fans that there is no number one goaltender in the system right now and that the preseason will be used to further evaluate the status of Manny Fernandez. When will the B's finally announce Thomas as the official starter?
- Chara is not 100% recovered after his shoulder surgery, but is expecting to start the season there.
- Coach Julien seemed irked that people only remember the Michael Ryder of last year, and not the one who has put up numbers since becoming a professional.
- You might be able to catch Aaron Ward at the Cheesecake Factory before game getting his favorite pregame meal, chicken piccata.
- Coach Julien also disused on the reason behind benching Kessel during the playoffs, explaining that it is sometimes needed to help in development and that Kessel was a much different player when he came back (recording four points).
- GM Peter Chiarelli stated that Matt Lashoff, Matt Hunwick, Blake Wheeler, Martins Karsums, and Nate Thompson are Bruins prospects who have a good chance at making the roster this year.
- Neely expects Sturm to hit the 40+ goal mark sometime in the near future.
- Milan Lucic loves us as much as we love him.
- P.J. Axelsson is a metrosexual.
Overall, the event was great and I have to thank the Bruins organization for finally thinking about the fans.
